Marcelo aiming to end his career at Real Madrid

Madrid, Sep 6 (IANS) Real Madrid’s veteran left back Marcelo insists that he wishes to end his career playing for the record European football champions, quashing the recent rumours of him moving to Juventus.

The 30-year-old is known to be close to Portuguese star forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who left Madrid to join Juventus in July, and was consequently also linked with a move to the Italian powerhouse.

However, in an interview on Real Madrid TV, the Brazilian international said he wanted to end his career playing in Madrid, reports Xinhua news agency.

“I’m very happy at Real Madrid, it’s my home and I’ve got many years left on my contract. I’m very happy here,” said Marcelo, who added it was “good” to talk because “there are always rumors and it’s tough for me to have to continually show I want to be here and can play here”.

“I want to be at Madrid for many years. I’m very calm about it all and I want to continue at Real Madrid… I’m as hungry as when I was 18 years old. I’ll be here until the end,” he insisted.

Marcelo played a crucial role in Real Madrid winning four Champions League titles in last five seasons.

Despite doubts following Ronaldo’s departure and Zinedine Zidane’s decision to step down as coach, Madrid have kicked off the season with three wins in three games and sit just behind FC Barcelona in the La Liga table.

“I feel great. I’m eager to keep improving in every match and every training session. We’re going down a very positive path. It’s the early stages, just the very beginning of the season, but we’re feeling fantastic,” said the defender, who praised the work of new coach, Julen Lopetegui.